Araignée rouge, Steel sculpture in La Défense district, France
Araignée rouge is a red steel sculpture in the La Défense business district, distinguished by its abstract, flowing forms. The work stands out sharply against the angular high-rises and has defined the esplanade area for decades.
A renowned American artist installed this steel construction in the 1970s, choosing the central plaza in La Défense for this work. The piece later underwent comprehensive restoration to recover its original coloring.
The sculpture's name evokes a living creature, creating a striking contrast with the straight lines of surrounding skyscrapers. It functions as an organic presence within the geometric architecture of the business district.
The sculpture sits outdoors on the esplanade and is easy to reach on foot while walking through the business district. The best time to view it is early morning or evening, when fewer commuters fill the esplanade.
The work was specifically designed for how light and shadow play across its surface, with the red color appearing different depending on time of day and weather. Many visitors overlook that the sculpture is positioned so it shows entirely different silhouettes from various vantage points.
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